Chicago Blackhawks Trade 6-Foot-4 Russian Forward to Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks hope to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which they missed out on only a year after winning the Pacific Division.

They've already experienced a major change in leadership with the departure of coach Rick Tocchet, replacing him with former NHL defenseman and assistant coach Adam Foote.

And while the work will continue for GM Patrik Allvin this summer, he's picked up an asset that could pay dividends before long.

The Canucks have acquired the rights to 6'4" center Ilya Safonov from the Chicago Blackhawks in return for future considerations.

It was one of many trades that took place on the 2nd day of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, among which was the Detroit Red Wings acquiring goaltender John Gibson from the divisional foe of Vancouver, the Anaheim Ducks.

Safonov was originally taken by the Blackhawks in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft with the 172nd overall pick

Playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL this year, Safonov had 22 points (7G, 15A) in 51 games. Overall, he's played in 263 career regular-season KHL games and has 95 points (49G, 46A).

In 2022-23, he helped in Ak Bars' run to the Gagarin Cup Final, but has also dealt with various injuries in recent years.

With the 2025 NHL Entry Draft now complete, the Canucks will turn their attention to free agency and other potential trades in their quest to strengthen their team enough to make a return to postseason hockey next spring.